The Circle City Classic, a long‑standing centerpiece of Indianapolis’ sports calendar, is set to return this year with a renewed focus on high school athletics.
Organized by the Indiana Black Expo, the event will take place on September 26 at Lucas Oil Stadium, where the roar of the crowd will echo through the historic venue as teams from the Metropolitan Interscholastic Conference battle for supremacy.
A New Era for the Classic
This edition marks a distinct shift from the classic’s earlier years, when college teams from historically Black colleges and universities took the field; today the spotlight belongs to the city’s top high school programs.
The day will kick off with girls’ flag football contests, a rapidly growing sport among Indiana High School Athletic Association members, before the afternoon’s premier matchups.
At 10 a.m., Crispus Attucks will meet Tech, followed by a 11:30 a.m. clash between Lawrence North and Ben Davis. The afternoon schedule features Warren Central versus Pike at 2 p.m., and the evening finale pits Lawrence North against Ben Davis at 7 p.m.
All four squads share membership in the Metropolitan Interscholastic Conference, underscoring the competitive depth of the showcase.
Beyond the gridiron, the Classic will preserve its cherished traditions — a vibrant parade, an education day, a tailgate celebration, a fan festival with live music, a battle of the bands, talent day and a coaches’ luncheon — ensuring that the community’s cultural fabric remains woven throughout the festivities.